Coughlin students set to shine on stage

As the middle of the 2012-13 school year at James M. Coughlin High School approaches, The Coughlin Players, led by director Alice Lyons, are set to light up the stage with another fantastic show.

This year's spring musical, "Urinetown," is sure to live up to the outstanding reputation the Players have built in the theater community.

The male lead, the heroic protagonist Bobby Strong, will be played by senior Derek Nowak. Derek has performed in "Legally Blonde" and "The Outsiders" with the Players and is an exceptional actor and singer, also shown by his first place trophy from this year's Coughlin Talent Show where he sang and played piano to a piece he composed.

Senior Maria Cinti has been cast as the female lead, Hope Cladwell, the beautiful daughter of a greedy executive. Maria has been a member of the Players since her freshman year. Last year, she starred as Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet, and Drop Dead, Juliet!" She also was fitness queen Brooke Windham in "Legally Blonde" and Marcia in "The Outsiders."

The supporting roles in "Urinetown" have also been filled by seasoned veterans. Matty Moorhead will appear as Caldwell B. Cladwell, a monopolizing businessman and the antagonist of the show. Nate Sauers has been cast as Officer Lockstock, one of the villainous policemen of the show, and also as the part-time narrator. Teddy Mykulyn plays Officer Barrell, Cassy Vukovich will appear as Little Sally and Kourtney Kukowski has been cast as Penelope Pennywise.

"Urinetown" will be presented at 7 p.m. Feb. 28, March 1 and March 2 and at 2 p.m. March 3 in the Coughlin auditorium.

"You'll be laughing from beginning to end from the side-splitting comedy," Lyons promised.

Coughlin also is hosting the Misfit Players' community theater production of "Oliver!" at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday in the auditorium. Lyons also will direct this show.

The Coughlin Student Council is busy collecting items to be sent in care packages to U.S. soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.

Liz Dohman, a junior, came up with the idea and spearheaded the operation.

Items like international calling cards, jarred foods, and various personal hygiene items are some examples of what is being collected. The men and women protecting our country do not have a number of things that we take for granted, and these care packages will provide them with some of these necessities.

Adam Ercolani is a student at Coughlin High School. Student columns appear Wednesdays.

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